ELIJAH.  I toss the girl beside me to the side as I walk towards a certain man dressed in a suit with a scowl on my face.  "What the fuck do you think you're doing here?" I snap at a frowning Ryder who cocks his brows at me, crossing his arms against his chest, as he says, "I don't think that's any proper way to greet someone who travelled miles to see you. " A laugh rips through my throat as I clutch my helmet to my side, wondering what the fuck this man is talking about. What is he even doing here? How did he know this place? Did dawn tell him? I look behind him in search of a gorgeous face, but I'm met with nothing.  "She's not here, " Ryder answers my unsaid question, bringing my attention back to him. "I'm here, and I'm going to have a word, or two with you. " "I'm busy, " I scowl, trying to sidestep him, only for him to grab onto my arm.

DAWN.  "Are you sure you're ready to do this?" I raise my brows at Ryder who leans against his seat with his head raised, and his hand over his forehead.  He snaps his gaze to mine, with a small smile gracing his lips as he slowly bobs his head. "I think I deserve to know why my parents thought I was useless enough to be abandoned. " The pain is evident in his voice, and I shake my head, grabbing hold of his shoulder, and squeezing the skin slightly.  "I don't want you to ever think like that again, babe. You're not useless, and their answers will prove that. " I tell him with a wide smile, and he pulls me flush against his side; his lips melting against my forehead, and I shut my eyes at the warmth that spread over the skin.  "I love you, Dawn. Really fucking much. " He whispers, and I smile; raising my head to meet his gaze, before saying, "I love you too, Ryder. Really fucking

DAWN.  I lean back against my seat as I wait for Ryder's arrival. My phone vibrates against the skin of my leg; bringing me out of my daze, and I push forward, grabbing it as my eyes widen at the name across my screen.  Elijah.  He's calling me.  With a nervous sigh, I push the mobile against my ear, and wait for his voice.  "Dawn?" He says, and I hum, leaning back against the car seat, saying, "Hey, Elijah. " "I'm glad you picked. I had doubts. " He laughs, the sound booming through the device, and my body visibly relaxes at that; knowing he isn't here for trouble.  "Why wouldn't I?" I chuckle, and there's a sigh from his end, before he says, "The things I did to you. They weren't right, Dawn. I said, and did terrible things. I was so obsessed with the idea of having you that I didn't even realize you were h

DAWN.  "You look so nervous, " Ryder chuckles as we stand before my aunt's door, and I laugh rubbing my palms against each other.  "That, I definitely am. What if she's mad at me, and doesn't want to see me? It's been so long since I checked on him. I mean, I know I do call, but I've been in Washington for days, and I didn't check on her, Ryder. What if she sends me out?" "Okay, babe. You really need to be calm. You're freaking out. " Ryder says with a shake of his head, grabbing hold of my shoulders to still my movement, and I let out a low breath as I raise my gaze to meet his. "She will be more than happy to see you, Dawn. You're her family, and even if she might get mad that this took you so long; nothing will stop her from embracing you. " He assures, his palm cupping my face, and I shut my eyes to the warmth of his touch against my skin, before nodding.  "Okay. Here we go. " I mo

DAWN.   "She didn't give me a chance to refuse when she overheard me talking to Ryder. " Miranda snickers as she nudges Emily towards me and I chuckle, wrapping my arms around the little one's body.    "Hey, sweetheart. Will you miss me?" I raise my brows and she bobs her head slowly, her lips pushed forward in a small, cute pout. I smile and press my fingers to it, "Is that right? You never asked of sister Dawn since you left with your mom. "   "She does, " Miranda groans behind me and I take my eyes back to her with raised brows. "Every single day. Trust me. "   "Good girl. " I ruffle her hair and she smiles brightly at me. I move her to my side, and look towards Ryder who has a sad look on his face. No matter how much he tells me he's alright with this, I know he isn't. I know he doesn't want me to go, and I wish there was another way but this is something I have to do. This is something I st